#RuralHealthIncentive

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time (until 30 June 2027)
Position Classification: Clinical Nurse Consultant Grade 1, Clinical Psychologist, Occupational Therapist Level 4, Psychologist, Senior Psychologist, Social Worker Level 4, Welfare Officer Level 4
Remuneration: $80,452.00 - $142,444.00 pa (+ superannuation + salary packaging options) + NSW Health – Western NSW LHD Incentives (conditions apply and may be pro-rata'd to your contracted or ordinary working hours – to find out more, visit Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme)
Location: Dubbo, Bourke, Brewarrina NSW – Find out more
Hours Per Week: 38
Applications Close: 1 July 2026 – 11:59pm

Senior Clinician – Drug & Alcohol – Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment (MERIT) Program – Incentives Offered
Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol

About the role

The MERIT (Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment) program is a court based program in New South Wales, that provides access to alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services for individuals facing charges in Local Courts. MERIT aims to intervene in the cycle of drug use and crime by addressing the underlying health and social issues that may lead individuals into contact with the legal system.

Senior Health Clinicians play a vital role in this program by providing clinical expertise, assessment, and treatment planning for participants. They collaborate with other MERIT team members, legal professionals, and external service providers to ensure coordinated and effective care, whilst assessing participants needs, to develop individualised treatment plans and provide ongoing clinical support.

The key skills required for this role include; conducting comprehensive assessments - implement evidence-based, person-centred treatment plans, case coordination – skills to manage complex cases that involve Justice, Health, Housing etc), knowledge of the criminal justice system, especially therapeutic jurisprudence and diversion programs, Knowledge of – AOD disorders, Comorbidities and commitment to reflective practice, resilience and adaptability and ethical practice.

The team is made up of Clinical Lead, Aboriginal Health Practitioner, Administration, and Drug and Alcohol Clinicians. You will be working alongside likeminded staff who are investing in assisting people who have complex Drug and Alcohol issues and addressing the many complexities that come with addictions.

This position is Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.

The successful applicant will maintain strong connections with the Senior Drug & Alcohol Team across Dubbo and the broader Western NSW LHD region, ensuring alignment with best practices and regional priorities. These linkages support collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing across services.

Performance development is supported through regular catchups and the implementation of a tailored training matrix. This matrix identifies individual and team learning needs, guiding professional development and enhancing service delivery capacity. By investing in our workforce, we ensure our team remains responsive, skilled, and equipped to meet the complex needs of our clients.

To find out more about the role click to view the Position Description



Helping you Move to Western NSW
The Welcome Experience is a free NSW Government service supporting workers (and their families) who have accepted a job with Western NSW LHD in most locations. The service helps with housing, schooling, partner work and community connections. Find out more at The Welcome Experience

A career with Western NSW means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health. To explore the benefits of a career in our Local Health District, visit the WNSWLHD website.